Pettersen sets up Hendersen duel

Reuters

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(Reuters) - Suzann Pettersen delivered the round of the day with an eight-under-par 64 on Friday that tied her for the second-round lead with Brooke Henderson and set up a duel between past champions at the Cambia Portland Classic.

Pettersen, the 2011 and 2013 winner, and defending champion Henderson lead on 11-under at Columbia Edgewater Country Club.

“Obviously, there are certain courses you play well. I sure did find some magic on the greens today,” said Pettersen, a two-time major winner looking for her first victory of the season.

“You still have to go out and execute, no matter how much you like the course.”

World number two Henderson teed off in the afternoon and began her day trailing Pettersen by four, but shot a 68 to pull even.

Colombian Mariajo Uribe shot a 65 for the second straight day to reach 10-under-par. No other player is closer than five shots.

Henderson birdied the par-4 18th hole to ensure she would be playing in the final group on Saturday.

The 18-year-old Canadian has kept busy this season, playing in 17 of the 18 Tour events leading into this week.

“I like to play a lot. I considered taking a week off, then like what am I going to do?” Henderson said.

“I am just going to go home and practice. I might as well go and play and just conserve energy where I can and just try and focus on the things that I need to.”